Murder in Dubuque’s 1600 Block- Testimony Concludes, Verdict Guilty!

The Jury reconvened after an almost 2-hour break today in the Murder Trial of Tyler Dazey. The verdict of Murder in the 1st Degree was returned as Guilty, additionally he was found guilty of Animal Abuse. The verdict was presented to the public at 1:51pm.

The testimony in the first-degree murder trial against Tyler J. Dazey, 29, has concluded, with both prosecutors and defense attorneys resting their cases. Dazey is accused of killing his mother, Jennifer Dazey, 46, at their shared Avoca Street residence in Dubuque.

Jennifer Dazey was found deceased on January 18th in her bedroom with multiple sharp-force injuries, and her dog, Echo, was also found dead from a head wound. Tyler Dazey faces charges of first-degree murder and animal abuse in connection with the incident.

The trial, which began on Tuesday, continued through Thursday with the prosecution calling a total of 13 witnesses. Dubuque Police Department investigator Kurt Rosenthal testified about his initial interviews with Tyler Dazey, during which Dazey mentioned his mother hated him and had been practicing witchcraft earlier that day. Dazey did not directly admit to or deny causing his mother’s injuries.

Key evidence included a tactical tomahawk found in the bathroom near the shower, which was consistent with the injuries inflicted on Jennifer Dazey. Iowa Associate State Medical Examiner Kelly Kruse testified that Jennifer Dazey sustained 17 cutting or chopping wounds, with the two most severe injuries to the left side of her head.

Criminalist Heidi Rogowski identified a latent palm print on the hatchet handle matching Tyler Dazey’s, though the duration it had been there was uncertain.

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Defense attorneys, maintaining Dazey's innocence, contended that investigators did not follow up on leads that could have uncovered another suspect. Dubuque Police Lt. Justin Stair testified for the defense, highlighting potential evidence outside the home, such as animal tracks and footprints.

The trial will resume today at the Dubuque County Courthouse with closing arguments, followed by jury deliberations. If found guilty of first-degree murder, Tyler Dazey faces a mandatory life sentence in prison. Counsels final statements are under way currently: updates will be posted once jury deliberations are completed and a verdict is reached.

Previous Articles on This Investigation Can be Found Here:

Murder in Dubuque's 1600 Block- Competent to Stand Trial!

Murder in Dubuque's 1600 Block- Update On What We Know So Far

Murder in Dubuque's 1600 Block- What We Know So Far